Tigertail

The relationship between Grover and Zhenzhen is one of my favorite on-screen romances in quite a while. Unfortunately, like so much else, it was ruined by the devastating lie that is the American capitalist dream. In a just universe, Lee Hong Chi would be in awards consideration; sadly, that seems as likely as Tigertail being as culturally prevalent as Tiger King.

Now available on Netflix, this multi-generational drama follows a Taiwanese factory worker who leaves his homeland to seek opportunity in the US, where he struggles to find connection while balancing family and newfound responsibilities.

The two aspects I loved the most about Tigertail were the score (which sounded amazing and perfectly fit the tone) and the non-linear storytelling that kept the story interesting to follow. I, also, liked how they shot part of the movie on film - when the lead character was young - as it gave it more personality. Other than that, I found Tigertail to be a rather by-the-books drama with interesting but, perhaps, underdeveloped commentary on immigration. The movie is quite short and never feels dull or boring, though, so I would recommend it to fans of this kind of dramas.

6/10 or 7/10 (can't decide)

I watched this on Netflix, and the premise was very interesting. A man leaves the love of his love in Taiwan for the chance of immigrating to America with his boss's daughter, and he decides to seek the love he left behind as an old man as well as get along with his estranged daughter.

Though the narrative was interesting, well, I felt that the film could've done more with the characters, esp. Yuan, who is played by veteran actress Joan Chen. I think she should've had more screen time given her acting prowess, and perhaps this could've been a limited series. Maybe I'm insisting on what the movie should've been instead of accepting what it was, but by the time it ended, I was sorta left hanging.

Still, this type of tale should be told more often. As the parents of Asian immigrants myself, it struck a chord with me.

"Tigertail" is one of the better films I've seen lately. A moving yet quiet film that offers viewers a look inside immigrant life. . In this drama, a Taiwanese factory worker leaves his homeland to seek opportunity in America, where he struggles to find connection while balancing family and newfound responsibilities. . I found this film to be more compelling and resonant than 2019's "The Farewell". "Tigertail" had my full attention from the start until the very bittersweet end. You get to see a completely other side of writer/director Alan Yang ("Master Of None") and he leaves filmmaker imprints as he goes along. The performances in this film are great as well; the iconic Tzi Ma ("The Farewell", "Arrival") really gets to show off his acting chops here playing a quiet but struggling man. You feel his pain and conflict throughout. I didn't think I'd enjoy "Tigertail" as much as I did and I think you should definitely stream it on Netflix. . Follow @snobmedia for more reviews!

A touching father daughter relationship at the core of it. A bit of a downer but it redeemed itself with a heartfelt ending